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NEWSLETTER
MARCH 2006
Hold an Open House for The Birds
Many North American birds nest in "cavities" holes in trees or fence posts. Although some birds, such as woodpeckers, can chisel their own holes with their heavy, sharp bills; other cavity-nesters, including the House Wren must find suitable holes for nesting. Unfortunately, suitable nest cavities can be hard to find in much of North America. One reason is that House Sparrows and European Starlings, which were introduced here from Europe, also nest in cavities. These aggressive birds often displace native species from the few natural cavities that exist. Another reason for the cavity shortage is that land uses have changed in this century.
You Can Help!
One way to solve the nest-site shortage is to provide artificial cavities, also known as birdhouses or nest boxes. More than 50 species of birds - including Bluebirds, Kestrels, Owls, Titmice, Chickadees, Nuthatches, Wrens, Tree Swallows, and Woodpeckers - will use nest boxes. Nest boxes have helped boost populations of many cavity-nesting bird species whose numbers were declining. For example, both Wood Ducks and Eastern Bluebirds recently have made dramatic comebacks thanks in part to artificial nest boxes. A nest box on your property will provide a valuable home for birds and enjoyable bird watching for you. By attracting Nesting birds you'll enjoy the sites of parents and young in your yard.
DON'T STOP FEEDING NOW!
Springtime is a most important time to feed your backyard birds. There are few other food choices, since Winter supplies in the wild have run out. Other natural food is scarce because seeds mature in the fall. If you're worried about seed mess or sprouting, use Sun Country Farms Waste Free Gourmet , All seeds in it are hulled - every bit is eaten and seeds that drop can't sprout.
Spring also can be a time of unpredictable weather. Even though the days might be warm, it can get quite cold at night or an unseasonable storm can blanket in ice or snow. Birds need to eat in order to stay warm. Feeding this time of year is not harmful and does not interfere with nature. By feeding during the Spring & Summer months you have the opportunity to watch their most interesting activities - mating, nesting and raising their young.
Spring and Summer feeding is also an environmentally safe way to control insects in the garden. Wrens, Phoebes and Flickers will consume caterpillars, ants and mosquitoes, reducing the need to use commercial insecticides. You've worked hard to attract the birds into your yard, so enjoy the results. Sit back and watch birds bring their young to the feeders for the first time. Observe a nesting robin as it incubates its eggs, and wait for signs of activity at the wren house that indicates a new brood has hatched.
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